Math 5490: Network Flows, Spring 2006, Term Project

Choosing a Topic

The first task for your term project is to choose a topic. The topic should be 1) relevant to network flows 2) interesting to you, 3) reasonable to do in a semester. Topics can vary, but here are some ideas:
  1. Find an application of network flows that interests you. If you have a job, perhaps you can find something relevant to your line of work. Create of model of the problem in GAMS and discuss your model and solution.
  2. Find an article in a journal that describes some network flow model. Analyze the model. Discuss modeling alternatives, and how various model choices influence the answers and the efficiency of the model.
  3. Write a report about the role of network flows within a particular field. This could include a survey of optimization models used within that field.
  4. Write a computer code to implement a network flows algorithm.
  5. Write a report about the connections between network flows and some other field of mathematics.
  6. Do a comparison between different algorithms.
  7. Go into more depth about a topic we do not cover in depth in the course.

Annotated Bibliography

In conjunction with choosing a topic, you should begin exploring the literature. You should find at least five references related to your topic and write a brief (about a paragraph) summary of what information is in each reference. You do not need to read each reference in detail--you are simply trying to get a feel of what information is available there. You will then create an annotated bibliography using BiBTeX. For details on how to create your annotated bibliography, see the handout (Creating an Annotated Bibliography).

Project proposal

The next step is to write a project proposal. (Note: This must be written in LaTeX). This is a formal document that describes what you propose to do for your term project. There are two parts: technical description, and project management. Both are essential.

The technical description describes in as much detail as possible what issues you plan to address and what avenues you intend to explore in addressing those issues. This section should include references to relevant literature and should include a proposed outline of your final report.

The management description breaks your project down into manageable pieces and includes milestones and dates for key parts of your project. Part of your job here is to convince me that your project is doable in a semester.

Draft Report

Several weeks before the end of the semester, you must submit a draft report (written in LaTeX). This should be as close to a final report as possible. I will give you feedback on changes that are needed. You are welcome to submit earlier drafts as well if you would like feedback.

Oral Presentation

You will present your project to the class during the last two weeks of the semester. See Tips for Oral Presentations.

Final Report

The final report will be due the last full week of classes. Please consult Guidelines for Final Reports for more details on how this should be written.

Due Dates--See Syllabus